Depth & Context
The burgeoning problem of online scams isn’t a new phenomenon, but its scale and sophistication have exploded in recent years, fueled by readily available technology and the increasing interconnectedness of the global economy. Historically, efforts to combat fraud have been fragmented, hampered by jurisdictional disputes and the inherent difficulty of tracing illicit funds across borders. The rise of cryptocurrencies and sophisticated botnets has further complicated matters, creating new avenues for criminal exploitation. Treaty obligations regarding extradition and mutual legal assistance have often proven slow and cumbersome, creating a significant delay in bringing perpetrators to justice. Pre-2020, international collaboration on cybercrime, particularly against scams, was often reactive—responding to incidents after they occurred rather than proactively disrupting the networks. The 2016 Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, while a foundational agreement, faced criticism for its uneven implementation and limited scope, particularly concerning enforcement mechanisms.
Key stakeholders in this initiative are numerous and diverse. Thailand, under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has positioned itself as a proactive leader, leveraging its strategic location in Southeast Asia and its burgeoning digital economy. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) plays a crucial role in providing technical expertise, coordinating international efforts, and facilitating capacity-building programs. The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a key partner, offering its investigative prowess and experience in combating sophisticated cybercrime. The European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and related regulations provide a framework for addressing online scams that span multiple jurisdictions. China, a major perpetrator of many online scams targeting vulnerable populations, is also participating, albeit with a complex and often opaque relationship with international partners. Indonesia and Vietnam represent vital regional allies, sharing similar vulnerabilities and experiences.
According to Dr. Emily Harding, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s International Security Center, “The ‘Global Partnership Against Online Scams’ represents a significant step forward. The key will be translating this commitment into tangible operational cooperation, including secure data sharing and joint investigations.” Harding’s statement highlights the inherent tension between national sovereignty and the need for global collaboration in addressing transnational crime.
Recent developments in the past six months further underscore the urgency of this issue. The emergence of “deepfake” scams, utilizing sophisticated AI-generated content to deceive victims, has added a new layer of complexity. The proliferation of cryptocurrency scams, leveraging NFTs and DeFi platforms, continues to drain billions of dollars from unsuspecting investors. Furthermore, the increasing use of Telegram and WhatsApp for scamming activities presents unique challenges for law enforcement, demanding sophisticated investigation techniques and collaboration with social media platforms. The recent Interpol Cybercrime Threat Landscape Report 2025 demonstrated a 37% rise in reported online scam cases globally, reinforcing the need for a concerted, sustained response.
Narrative Flow & Structure
The Bangkok Conference: A Multi-faceted Approach to Combatting Digital Deception
The “International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams,” held in Bangkok from December 17th to 18th, 2025, was not simply a discussion; it was a carefully orchestrated series of events designed to solidify international commitments and operationalize strategies. The conference featured a high-level segment, comprising ministerial-level representatives from over 60 countries, alongside thematic discussions and a working dinner.
Addressing Justice and Financial Crime
The first thematic panel focused intensely on “ensuring justice, from investigation to prosecution.” Representatives from the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the FBI, INTERPOL, and IOM emphasized the need for victim-centric approaches to justice, focusing on providing support and facilitating prosecution. Challenges highlighted included the difficulties in proving victim identity amidst sophisticated fraud schemes, the complexities of obtaining digital evidence across jurisdictions, and ensuring timely consular assistance to Thai nationals who had been defrauded. Dr. Robert Anderson, a specialist in cybercrime investigations at the University of Southern California, noted, “The most significant hurdle isn’t technological—it’s often legal and logistical: securing warrants, obtaining data from foreign servers, and navigating the complexities of international extradition treaties.”
The second panel addressed “tracking illicit financial flows and addressing technology-enabled crimes.” Representatives from Meta Platforms and Chainalysis highlighted the importance of blockchain analytics and network tracing techniques in identifying and disrupting scam networks. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) presented its work on developing industry-wide standards for combating online scams, while the European Union emphasized the implementation of the DSA.
The Prime Minister’s Call for Unity
The working dinner, attended by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, served as a reaffirmation of Thailand’s commitment to leading this global effort. He underscored the “political will” necessary to combat this evolving threat and stressed the importance of a collective, unified response. He further pointed out that the problem wasn’t confined to Southeast Asia, demanding stronger collaboration to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Future Impact & Insight
Short-term (Next 6 Months): We can anticipate increased joint operations between Thai law enforcement and international partners, focused on disrupting major scam networks and recovering stolen funds. The Bangkok Joint Statement is expected to trigger a surge in information sharing agreements between participating nations. The implementation of the DSA’s provisions on platform accountability will likely lead to increased pressure on social media companies to proactively combat scam activity. However, significant challenges remain in tracking and prosecuting perpetrators, particularly those operating from jurisdictions with weak rule of law.
Long-term (5-10 Years): The “Global Partnership Against Online Scams” has the potential to fundamentally reshape the global landscape of cybercrime. If successful, it could lead to the creation of a truly transnational task force, capable of swiftly responding to emerging threats. Increased investment in cybersecurity education and awareness programs will be crucial to mitigating the risks faced by vulnerable populations. The development of standardized blockchain regulations and digital asset frameworks could also play a significant role in preventing scams leveraging cryptocurrencies. Looking further ahead, the integration of AI-powered threat intelligence systems could provide proactive defenses against evolving scam techniques. Ultimately, the long-term success of this initiative hinges on sustained political will, continued technological innovation, and a shared understanding that combating online scams requires a truly global, collaborative approach.
Call to Reflection: The “Global Partnership Against Online Scams” represents a bold, ambitious undertaking. But its success will be measured not just by the dollars recovered, but by the lives protected and the confidence restored. What specific steps can governments, the private sector, and civil society take to ensure that this initiative translates into genuine, lasting change? How can we best safeguard ourselves and future generations from the insidious threat of digital deception?